BOISE, Idaho — Idaho lawmakers are advancing legislation that would extend the state’s bathroom regulations beyond schools to include all government buildings and private businesses.
House Bill 607 represents the latest expansion of Idaho’s bathroom policies, building on previous legislation that required students at K-12 public schools and public universities to use bathrooms and changing rooms corresponding to their biological sex.
The new bill would mandate that multi-stall bathrooms in government buildings and private businesses be designated as male or female only and used by people of the corresponding sex. It would also require private businesses to take reasonable steps to protect customers from individuals of the opposite sex in restrooms.
“Objective to ensure the privacy, safety and dignity of all people, especially women, in public restrooms, changing rooms, locker rooms and showers across Idaho,” said Representative Ted Hill, who supports the legislation.
Under the proposed law, businesses would face potential liability for failing to protect their customers. When business owners are notified of policy violations, they would be required to enforce the rules.
“When the business owner is notified that someone is violating the policy, just enforce the policy. And if that requires having someone trespass off or asking them to leave, that’s all a business owner would need to do under the duty of care,” said Blaine Conzatti of the Idaho Family Policy Center.
However, the bill has drawn significant opposition from business groups and LGBTQ advocates who argue it creates unnecessary burdens and risks.
Critics contend the legislation shifts substantial legal and financial responsibility onto businesses without providing clear safety benefits.
“This bill does nothing to prevent crime. Instead, it shifts massive legal and financial risk on to businesses,” said Mistie Tolman, an opponent of the measure.
Transgender advocates argue the bill would increase scrutiny and harassment of transgender individuals, creating safety concerns rather than addressing them.
“If I walk into the men’s restroom, which of you will call the cops on me? Or is it more likely that the cops will be called if I walk into the women’s restroom because of how I look? This bill is anti-safety. It is anti-privacy and is anti-business,” said Nikson Mathews, who testified against HB 607.
House Bill 607 has cleared committee and will now advance to the House floor for consideration. The legislation must be approved by both the Idaho House and Senate before it can become law.
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